Lab RatHatch EscapesEscape roomIRLReally cool room but might have been a little overhyped for me. I also played The Nest first which, design wise, is far and away one of the most impressive rooms I’ve done. That’s not to say Lab Rat isn’t cool but it’s not quite as impressive. Great puzzles (if you don’t accidentally break anything) that are really unique and challenging without feeling arbitrary. Our game master was also really great and super helpful when one of our friends couldn’t make it. Really looking forward to seeing what Hatch Escapes cooks up next!
The Mad RapperScenario Escape RoomEscape roomIRLReally exceptional room. It’s clear that a lot of care and passion went into making The Mad Rapper. Very unique puzzles and top notch set design, and a wonderland for fans of rap or even just music in general.
PlaygroundThe Escape Game - IrvineEscape roomIRLPlayground is without a doubt one of, if not the best escape room experience in Southern California. Packed full of challenging and unique puzzles the game encourages teamwork and communication. I’ll say it also unlocked in me a child-like sense of imagination and fun I had long thought to be lost.
Prison BreakThe Escape Game - Rancho Cucamonga [prev. at San Bernardino]Escape roomIRLProbably one of my least favorite escape room experiences but not sure that was entirely the game’s fault. It is a tough game and my crew was not doing particularly well, although I wish the game master hadn’t given us clues unless we asked for them. Good room design, as always, from Escape Game, but the puzzles were a bit arbitrary. It also really bothered me that the game master stood in the doorway when we were done and held up their Venmo QR code so you really had no choice but to scan it. Love the concept of a QR code for tipping but don’t want it shoved in my face. My friends stuck around and played another game there, though, so maybe it just wasn’t for me.
BattleshipNot Another Escape RoomEscape roomIRLNot my type of room but I expect that this will be a lot of fun for people who are more interested in good puzzles than room design. The competitive element will be a thrill for larger groups who want to work against each other.
Mayan DoomsdayThink Tank Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLLots of fun and very immersive! The room also scales in difficulty based on how many rooms you’ve done and what kind of challenge you would like. There are 4 Levels, and my group did level 2 which still was plenty challenging, and I didn’t feel like we missed anything. Lots of great products for sale in the lobby and the game master/owner was happy to talk to us after the game to explain anything we were curious about. Hoping to come back to play the rest of the games soon!
The Amazing Argo: A Steampunk Adventure!Experience Machine - Upland [prev. Mind Suite]Escape roomIRLReally solid escape room with amazing design and pretty good puzzles. Unfortunately a few of the puzzles were broken when my friends and I played but I know that can happen so I wouldn’t hold it against them. And it’s pretty much heaven for a steampunk fan.
